Into Thin Air

By Jon Krakauer

Description

When Jon Krakauer reached the summit of Mt. Everest in the early afternoon of May 10,1996, he hadn't slept in fifty-seven hours and was reeling from the brain-altering effects of oxygen depletion. As he turned to begin the perilous descent from 29,028 feet (roughly the cruising altitude of an Airbus jetliner), twenty other climbers were still pushing doggedly to the top, unaware that the sky had begun to roil with clouds...

Into Thin Air is the definitive account of the deadliest season in the history of Everest by the acclaimed Outside journalist and author of the bestselling Into the Wild. Taking the reader step by step from Katmandu to the mountain's deadly pinnacle, Krakauer has his readers shaking on the edge of their seat. Beyond the terrors of this account, however, he also peers deeply into the myth of the world's tallest mountain. What is is about Everest that has compelled so many poeple--including himself--to throw caution to the wind, ignore the concerns of loved ones, and willingly subject themselves to such risk, hardship, and expense?

Written with emotional clarity and supported by his unimpeachable reporting, Krakauer's eyewitness account of what happened on the roof of the world is a singular achievement.

Reviews

Interesting

The book is easy to read and flows well. Somewhat riveting but was long and a lot of time was spent on guilt. Over all I enjoyed.

Good book

5

By Jahagsunwbw

Better than MIKE's

Well written

5

By Tobes88989

After watching the movie Everest, I wanted to get a more in depth account of what happen in the spring of 1996. I thought this book was very well written providing details about each climber. I also liked how the author completely describes being on Everest to the point where you feel you are with him on this journey. Great read. Would highly recommend this book.

Read THE CLIMB by Anatoli Boukreev instead.

1

By Steeltman

Boukreev got the most prestigious climbing award in the effort of saving everyone under his care. Mountain Madness lost no one with the the exception of Fischer, the leader.
Rob Hall's expedition Adventure Consultants, lost a great deal of their clients including himself.
Where was the author of this book? Whimpering in a tent with no intention of helping.
Way to spit on one's grave. How is Anatoli responsible for individuals in your expedition? Answer that and you'll not need to read further, people. This is of course only my opinion, just as it was your speculation as to the events once zipped in the safety of your tent with only your self serving attitude and lack of consideration for anyone in YOUR OWN PARTY!

Great banter

5

By mbreale

Awesome book. Lots of action. Solid read. Lots of profanity if that bugs yea. Love this book

Amazing Story

5

By LLandCL

I just read Beck Weathers' account of this same excursion and loved it, so, naturally I wanted to read this next. I am glad I read them in that order. This book was way more journalistic, but, I loved the details. Jon is a wonderful storyteller. I highly recommend this book.

Emotional and educational

5

By Ktlady1

This book taught me a great deal about Everest. I cannot imagine the turmoil the author has had to deal with after such a tragedy. I am grateful to him for showing me what makes these climbers keep going up these dangerous mountains. I too know someone who perished on Everest and was unable to understand what this all entailed. Thank you for sharing this detailed report.

Fire starter

5

By Cory13evans13

Great for starting a fire the pages just burn so great

Fast paced and gripping

5

By Hiker at heart

This book is outstanding yet unsettling due to the tragedy it documents so well. This book is truly difficult to put down. Krakauer is an excellent writer though this book had to be written for the sake of those who lost their lives - and those who still seek to conquer Everest.